Youth Sports Group Grapples With Money Shortage

CASSELBERRY — Hundreds of Seminole County youngsters hoping to participate in football, basketball and track this season may find themselves standing on the sidelines instead.

The problem facing the young athletes of the Seminole Youth Sports Association is not a lack of enthusiasm but rather a lack of money.

Eric Nelson, 36, sponsor of the Lake Howell Pop Warner football team, said the 4-year-old league has only about half of the capital and company sponsors it requires to field the sports programs.

''Because we've added more teams this year, we will need around $50,000,'' Nelson said.

''I hope the people in the business community know we're here and that we need help.''

In the Pop Warner football league alone, there are 20 teams that field squads of 30 players. With all of the necessary equipment, football is an especially expensive program. For that reason, players have to put up $100 for helmets, shoulder pads and a variety of other items.

''It's sad, but a lot of children in the county who would love to play football can't because their parents don't have the money,'' Nelson said.

To help combat that problem, the association has come up with a scholarship program. It is a way for a business or individual to sponsor a child who otherwise would not get to play.

For football, company sponsors donate $400 to help pay for jerseys, pants, equipment, referees and other expenses. To sponsor a basketball or track team, a company puts up only $100.

Though Nelson said that all donations are tax deductible, he believes there is a better reason for supporting the 6- to 13-year-old children.

''As businessmen, we get a lot of support from the community,'' Nelson said.

''This gives us a chance to put something back into the community and, at the same time, help out the kids.''

Association members say the programs are important because they give children a chance to participate in organized athletics at an early age. Public school programs, Nelson said, usually don't start with track, basketball and football teams until the eighth grade.

Companies interested in sponsoring a team or youngsters interested in getting on a squad can call 869-7972 for more information.